The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1887-03-30
OUT OF THE COMMON"


window and turned her hair to SHINING
gold; touched the crisp gray locks Of
John Rogers, and made friendly circl,
Of light and warmth about the pair.
VI could not go against mammal
wishes, you know" the young lady SAID
gently, playing with the ring on her lef
hand. ''She has had long talk with
me this morning, and, though 1 knew
che disapproved of our engagement,
never realized before how her heart was
set against it."
''And you do not think by patient
waiting-by proving how earnest we
are"
mo, John. Mother cannot look on
1t as we do; she realizes all the disad.
vantages and none of the hopes that we
have built on; and then" the young
lady glanced down once at her delicate
hands before she would il
be quite fair, John, for me to wait, and
and let all other opportunities glide by,
and grow old and sad while l waitedl"
John started. There was so much eau
tion suggested in the words. No doubt
she was but repeating them after her
mother, but they fell chillingly on his
~---N @NAA AAA@sN yOnhk ups
ut is true, Maud" he answered,
while look OF pain fingered on his face.
You shall not let other chances Of hap
piness slip by because you are bound to
me. 1t is not the love 1 thought you
gave me-a love which trusts and hopes
in patient faithfulness. l am no longer
young, dear, but have risked much on
this dream of love. coming late in life.
but coming for the first time, Maud,
and"-his voice broke STAYING with
me-always."
He rose and turned partly away from
her, quite still, leaning has arms on the
mantel-piece. Maud Branson rose too,
and came toward him, her delicate,
beautiful face full of concern. There
was nothing about John Rogers to at
tract notice. He was very plain man,
no longer young; but he had at least
some charm of mind or soul which had
won the love of a very beautiful woman.
her dress c!ung in graceful folds to her
slender figure, fillet of blue bound the
golden hair, which was coiled in classic
simplicity about her head. He turned
and looked at her, taking in all the de-
an' tails OF the picture then Igr he mt his head
is a his father JusepS Sfnwden. an
Aor.l % - cctedly on his crossed arms.
Maud extended one hand appealingly.
John, you will take itl'
"Ies, Maud, " he answered, drawing
his breath hard. Il take it-and re-
nounce it" He patted the soft surfa c
once or twice, thoughtfuliy. "All that
came with it, and all that goes with it.
Maud, good-by.'
There was such noble sadness in his
face that it touched her The proud
head bent lower, until it rested on John
with eyes still wet.
''GoOd-by, John. The world can't
give just what we want"
"No, dear What is it2'
"Your ring"
He took the pretty sapphire ring he
had placed on her hand one day with
only half-realized rapture and slipped it
in his vest pocket. 1t was worthless
now.
And so John Rogers left the house and
threaded his way down the busy streets.
The sunlight still danced over him warm
and beautiful, kissing his grave face, his
hair, his hands
And let all other opportunities glide
by; " he repeated the words to himself,
ruefully. Its not the old d-fashioned
love; not the love l used TO dream OF
when l was boy. Perhaps there isn't
any nowadays" ."
He looked very tired as he ran up the
steps and rang at the door Of his board
ing-house. Clarice noticed it, his land
lady's daughter.
"You look tired, Mr.. Rogers" look
ing up from her work and speaking
through the open door.
He smiled, wearily.
"Do IL And what are you doing,
Claricel Still sewing for these hardened
little wretches"
'Yes; isn't this big hole I am darn
ingl Boys do wear out their clothes so
fast. You are home early from the
Office
Eyes, I had an engagement at three
o'clock and did not care TO 60 back.
May come in and have a chat with
your
"Oh, yes, if you care to. with heI
quick smile, a smile which her eyes be-
lied, and which always seemed 10 John
made to order" She pulled forward
a chair without rising, and went on with
her darning again. Il sit in here be-
cause it's cool, and always do my sew
ing afternoons; in the mornings there is
housewOrks
1t was a shabby little parlor, seldom
used by the bOArders, who we're princi-
pally gentlemen, and spent their even
ings out. if not in their own rooms. A
few tawdry decorations only enhanced
the shabbiness of the threadbare carpet,
dirty walls, and ancient lace curtains.
"'Do you never have any amusements,
Claricef asked John trying to forget
his own wrctchedness by interesting
himself In some one else.
"Amusementsn she repeated, pushing
ths ourls od her forehead in . puzzled